How to get a Tax Rebate Update from HMRC

Knowing how to get a tax rebate update from HMRC can save you time and help ensure the repayment process runs as smoothly as possible.

The type of tax rebate you are expecting affects timescales and the way you should contact HMRC for the status of your refund.

There are specific digital and offline options for both employed and self employed individuals.

Choosing the right channel will let you receive the most accurate response in the quickest time.

Taxpayers who are employed should follow guidance that covers tax rebates through PAYE. Self employed individuals have a number of self assessment based options.

Checking your tax rebate status too frequently won’t expedite the process yet knowing the optimal times can save frustration and resolve any issues quickly.

Knowledge of the system and following the guidelines outlined below will help you manage your expectations effectively and receive your refund status update in the easiest way.

Getting a tax rebate update through PAYE

A refund of can be repaid by HMRC to employed individuals automatically or through a claims process.

Although HMRC usually processes basic overpayments of tax automatically after the end of the tax year, verifying your tax refund status can be necessary.

If you have claimed a tax rebate using a specific HMRC form being aware of average response times is key so you don’t waste your time.

Updates for automatic tax refunds:

If you are expecting a refund of tax because you have overpaid you can use the HMRC app or personal tax account services (PTA).

Sometimes a letter or message may not have been received and a tax refund can be waiting for you to claim via your online account.

Checking also let’s you see if HMRC needs you to provide missing pay and tax information on their system like an end of year P60 or P45.

A P800 calculation is usually sent by post and reflected in your tax account when a repayment has been created by HMRC.

It’s important to follow the instructions on the P800 on how you can claim back your refund – either online or by post.

Updates for PAYE tax rebate claims:

Checking your status proves worthwhile if for example you’ve submitted a P87 form for work expenses or a P50 form after leaving employment.

For online submissions you should receive a response from HMRC confirming receipt and mark your form as ‘pending’ in your tax account.

Postal submissions will normally receive a letter confirming receipt of your claim many days after HMRC have received it through the post.

You can use the check when to expect a reply tool to get an estimation of when to expect a full response.

My rebate claim status is pending what does this mean?

When your tax rebate claim shows as pending, it indicates HMRC are currently assessing what you have sent them before releasing any funds.

A pending status doesn’t necessarily mean there are any problems, it simply means your claim hasn’t yet been processed in full.

The processing duration for an HMRC tax rebate varies based on your submission method and claim type.

During the pending period HMRC is verifying your eligibility, the accuracy of your claim and may ask you for supplementary paperwork where required.

How long does a pending P87 tax rebate take to process?

Submitting expense claims such as travel costs or work uniform expenses via a form P87 you should expect a wait of around 8 to 12 weeks or longer.

Digital submissions generally move a bit faster. Electronic processing systems handle these more efficiently than paper applications, which require manual processing.

The approximate timescale stated is based on HMRC’s average capacity and whether additional information is needed to progress your claim.

Applications submitted during busy tax times typically face extended processing periods for example around the start and end of the tax year in April.

What to do if it’s taking too long

We suggest waiting the standard timeframe before contacting HMRC for additional information.

If your claim still has a status of “pending” after the expected response time (as per the expect a reply tool) you should consider using:

Online portal: Access your HMRC PTA for updates or use the digital assistant which can transfer you to an HMRC advisor.

Phone: Call HMRC’s helpline 0300 200 3300 where an advisor can check their system and provide some feedback.

You might not get a complete answer during the phone call but the advisor you speak to can contact the relevant department to chase up your enquiry.

Three tips for PAYE taxpayers owed a rebate

1. Make use of digital services when you can: HMRC recommends using online platforms including the expect a reply tool and digital assistant accessed through your PTA or the HMRC app.
2. Be patient with timescales: Recognise extended processing times when HMRC have their busier periods. Monitor your refund status online and contact HMRC only after the projected completion date.
3. Document communications: Keep a copy of claim forms and any evidence provided. Maintain detailed records of HMRC interactions, including timing and conversation specifics. This information proves valuable for issue resolution or escalation purposes.

Checking your self assessment tax refund status

When your tax refund through self assessment doesn’t arrive as expected understanding why delays occur and the proper channels for resolution saves both time and frustration.

For initial self assessment tax rebate updates:

• Try the when to expect a reply tool which gives you an estimated tax return completion date.
• Your self assessment tax account which is part of HMRC’s online services.

In your account HMRC uses specific status indicators to show precisely where your return sits in the processing pipeline:

• Received: Your tax return has been successfully submitted but processing hasn’t started.
• Being processed: HMRC has begun reviewing your return but hasn’t completed checks.
• Processed: Review is complete and your tax calculation is finalised.

Overpayment being processed: System has identified you’re due a refund which is being prepared.

• Payment sent: Your refund has been dispatched to your bank account.
• Under compliance check: Your return requires additional verification (which may delay processing).

Standard processing timeframes

HMRC processes different types of tax returns according to fairly consistent schedules that vary by submission method:

• Digital submissions: Typically cleared within 2-4 weeks during non-peak periods.
• Paper returns: Usually require 6-8 weeks for complete processing.
• Amended returns: Often take 4-6 weeks as they undergo additional review.

The processing cycle follows a predictable pattern throughout the year. January through April represents the heaviest processing period as HMRC manages the influx of last-minute submissions.

For straightforward returns with minimal complications, expect the shortest wait times.

Complex returns involving multiple income sources or unusual claims naturally require more thorough examination.

How often to check for updates

Following submission, allow 72 hours before your first status check. During this period, HMRC’s systems register your return but rarely show meaningful updates.

Afterwards, a weekly check should be sufficient for most taxpayers, as status changes typically don’t occur daily.

Mark your calendar based on these general guidelines:

• First check: Around 3-5 days after submission.
• Subsequent checks: Once weekly until status changes to “Processed”.
• After “Processed” status appears: Check twice weekly for payment updates.

Essentially, monitoring becomes most valuable approximately 2-4 weeks after submission when most standard returns reach completion.

If no status change occurs after four weeks, this might warrant further investigation but remember that during peak periods (February-April), longer processing times are normal.

Factors that affect processing speed

Several elements can either accelerate or delay your tax return processing:

• Return complexity: Claims for substantial reliefs or multiple income sources trigger additional verification.
• Submission timing: Returns filed near deadlines face longer queues than early submissions.
• System accuracy: Returns with errors or mismatched information require manual review.
• Verification requirements: Random compliance checks add 2-3 weeks to standard timeframes.
• Bank details are wrong: To ensure the fastest possible refund, verify that your bank details are correctly entered in your HMRC online account.

Incorrect bank information ranks among the top reasons for refund delays. Even a single digit error in your account number or sort code can result in payment rejection, requiring manual intervention that adds weeks to the process.

• First-time filers: Typically experience slightly longer processing times as HMRC establishes their tax records.
• Complex income and capital gains: Individuals with international income or capital gains (CGT) require more extensive verification.

When to escalate your case

Consider escalation in these situations:

• No response within 21 days of initial inquiry.
• Online status unchanged for over 8 weeks.
• Urgent financial hardship resulting from the delay.

First and foremost, exhaust online options before phoning if you can:

• Webchat service available through your HMRC account.
• Secure messaging via your self assessment account.
• Self Assessment helpline: 0300 200 3310 (weekdays only).

To escalate, request a formal complaint review through the HMRC complaints service.